Which card is better for groceries, CIBC Select Visa or RBC ION Visa?

The CIBC Select Visa earns 0% on groceries, while the RBC ION Visa earns 1.2x. The better choice depends on your grocery spending and the specific merchants you shop at.

CIBC Select Visa vs RBC ION Visa — Which Is Better? | Churnr

Header Quick Take Value Earn Rates Merchants Wallet Bonus FX Benefits Eligibility Perks Downgrade Verdict

RBC ION Visa wins by $412/yr — strongest in groceries

RBC ION Visa earns $184 more on groceries
RBC ION Visa earns $46 more on bills & utilities

Groceries: +$184Bills & Utilities: +$46Shopping: +$40

CIBC Select Visa: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

RBC ION Visa: $30/yr in foreign transaction fees

Showing Year 1 analysis

Dollar Value

−$30

/first year

-0.1% effective$2/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$449

Annual rewards earned+$0

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Winner

$382

/first year

0.9% effective$32/mo

vs 1% no-fee card: −$37

Annual rewards earned+$412

FX costs−$30

Annual fee−$0

Best for your spendingRBC ION Visa—$382Year 1 value

+$412 more than CIBC Select Visa

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The Bottom Line

RBC ION Visa wins by $412/yr — strongest in groceries

RBC ION Visa earns $184 more on groceries
RBC ION Visa earns $46 more on bills & utilities

Groceries: +$184Bills & Utilities: +$46Shopping: +$40

Showing Year 1 analysis

RBC ION Visa wins in both Year 1 and Year 2+ — consistent long-term value.

Data Sources

Issuer terms & conditions (verified Mar 2026)

Merchant MCC verification (239 merchants)

Insurance certificates (PDF review)

Reward program documentation

User-reported acceptance data

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CIBC Select Visa

RBC ION Visa

RBC ION Visa wins by $412/yr — strongest in groceries

Dollar Value

Show calculation breakdown

Show calculation breakdown

Earn Rates by Category

Merchant Reality Check

Wallet Optimizer

Welcome Bonus

Fees & Foreign Exchange

Insurance & Benefits

Eligibility

The Bottom Line

Data Sources

CIBC Select Visa

RBC ION Visa

RBC ION Visa wins by $412/yr — strongest in groceries

Dollar Value

Show calculation breakdown

Show calculation breakdown

Earn Rates by Category

Merchant Reality Check

Wallet Optimizer

Welcome Bonus

Fees & Foreign Exchange

Insurance & Benefits

Eligibility

The Bottom Line

Data Sources